PNG declares prime minister's office vacant

The job of prime minister in Papua New Guinea has been declared vacant after Sir Michael Somare missed three sittings.

Transcript

EMMA ALBERICI, PRESENTER: The leadership crisis in Papua New Guinea has taken a new turn.

The job of prime minister has been declared vacant, and there will be an election in the parliament tomorrow.

Parliament has now recognised Sir Michael Somare as the legitimate prime minister, but he's missed three sittings, so the office has been thrown open.

PNG's effective prime minister, Peter O'Neill's, coalition partners say they will renominate him for the job.

PETER O'NEILL, PNG ACTING PRIME MINISTER: We will be electing a new prime minister tomorrow morning so that this can once and for all clear all the doubts that has been created by the decision of the court.

EMMA ALBERICI: His supporters have challenged Sir Michael's backers to put forward their own candidate.

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